Official announcement from the Ohio Governor's office or verified news outlets

JD Vance to Resign Senate Seat at Midnight; Ohio Governor Mike DeWine to Appoint Replacement Until 2026 Election

Jan 9, 2025, 11:20 PM

Vice President-elect JD Vance is set to resign from his U.S. Senate seat at midnight, ahead of his inauguration alongside President-elect Donald Trump on January 20. Vance, who has served in the Senate for two years, informed Ohio Republican Governor Mike DeWine of his decision in a letter, expressing gratitude to the people of Ohio for the opportunity to represent them. His resignation will allow DeWine to appoint a temporary replacement until a 2026 special election, which will determine who will serve the remaining two years of Vance's term. The appointee will then need to run again in 2028 for a full six-year term. Vance's departure will reduce the Republican Senate majority to 51 members temporarily, as GOP Senator-elect Jim Justice has yet to be sworn in.